After more than 20 years of wanted to do this, I finally worked up the nerve! I had my oldest child when I was only 16. Everything about being a pregnant teen was traumatic for me. My parents kicked me out, I gained 85lbs, I was scared and alone. After giving birth to my son I had tons of excess skin and deflated breasts. I lost all of the extra weight and have been working out consistently for 20 years. I am a fitness instructor but no matter what I do, I cannot get rid of the extra skin on my belly. After meeting with both Dr. Alexander & Dr. Wang-Ashraf at Artisan Plastic Surgery, I feel confident and safe about having a TT, BL, & BA with a bit of contouring. I am excited and nervous about the surgery. My husband and I have 4 children so I am of course concerned about the risks. I'll keep you all updated as I go through the process!
Updated on 28 Aug 2020:
I'm nervous & excited in anticipation for my surgery. I've been prepping myself, the house, and my family over the past couple of weeks. Each night I make & freeze extra meals for myself & family. I've cleaned out closets, pantries, the fridge, and organized the calendar. My ex will be helping with the girls so that I have a full week of recovery without the two younger kiddos here. My husband has been incredibly supportive and patient. I feel so grateful to have him by my side. I couldn't do this alone.
As for as self care, I'm taking bromelain, vitamin c, zinc, magnesium, curcumin eating mostly plant based, and practicing yoga daily. I've purchased some bio oil and arnica for after surgery along with button down shirts, a robe, and extra joggers. I'm researching compression garments now. Anyone have recommendations? I don't own a recliner. I plan to prop myself up with pillows and rest in bed. Any recommendations there? Also, is an ab board necessary? I've had 2 c sections and I did use a pillow on my belly when laughing or coughing. Thanks for the support. I'll keep updating.
Updated on 14 Sep 2020:
I just want to say Dr. Wang-Ashraf & the staff at Northside were incredible. My surgery lasted about 3hrs. Everything went great. I elected to stay the night at the hospital. Every single nurse in the ERU was incredible!
As for my experience, I'm doing well. My pin I managed. I've been able to get up and elk around lot. I was injected you Exparel during surgery. It is a miracle drug! I'll share more later. We just got home and I haven't even seen my belly yet, only my boobs, which are high & tight right now, but they will settle.
Updated on 15 Sep 2020:
Dr. Wang-Ashraf is a miracle worker! I had a bit of a scary weekend, personally because I didn’t know what to expect. The entire staff of Artisan Plastic Surgery took my phone calls, even Dr. Ashraf & Dr. Alexander on a Saturday night! Thy have been so attentive, caring, and reassuring. Note: the your pain meds! I tried to stop on Saturday and I had m in a world of hurt. Since I’ve been taking everything as directed, I haven’t any had issues. I’m so impressed with the results already!
Updated on 17 Sep 2020:
I’m 6 days post op & feeling absolutely wonderful! I’m off pain meds, only taking antibiotics, arnica, & bromelian now. To anyone considering this surgery, do your homework. Research, plan, and take really good car of yourself both before & after. Find a great surgeon, and go for it. I’m so pleased with the results. I do still have 1 drain. I’m hoping to have it removed in the next couple of days.
Updated on 22 Sep 2020:
I can’t even begin to express how life changing this surgery has been for me. Dr. Wang-Ashraf gave me my body back! I’m so grateful. The healing process is taking time and it has been painful, but nowhere near as bad as I anticipated. I’m feeling pretty great as of now. My abdomen is pretty numb in a few places, especially lower. My breasts still feel tight & high. I’m stiff in the morning, but as I move around the stiffness goes. I still have tape on all incisions. I got to peek yesterday at the office when tape was changed. The incisions are healing beautifully! My work now will be continuing to remember to slow down and allow time for a full recovery. I’m off all meds and have been taking easy hikes with my husband. I feel mostly like myself.
Ladies, if you’ve been thinking of this, get yourself healthy & then make the leap! I waited 20 years to do this and now wonder why I was so fearful. It’s totally worth it!
Updated on 22 Sep 2020:
Here are a few post op pics!
Updated on 29 Sep 2020:
I’ve developed a large seroma. The Dr. removed 180cc of fluid from my belly yesterday. I have absolutely no idea why or how it happened. I’ve worn compression garments religiously. Today I started some practices to stimulate lymph drainage:
- dry brushing
- astragalus supplement
- juice fasting
- hot & cold shower
- I added an an board to my compression garment
I’m hopeful that these practices help me heal. Anyone else have a seroma? Tips on healing?
Updated on 7 Oct 2020:
Well it hasn’t been super easy, but I’m almost at 4 weeks! Ladies, the bet advice I can give you is to be gentle with yourself. It’s going to take time for your body to heal. I’ve been doing gentle yoga & walking every day to promote mobility. I’m still pretty stiff & sore, especially in th morning when I wake up. I notice my belly contracting when I go on walks so I just try to take it easy when I do. The seroma has nearly healed thanks to a wonderful Dr. & lymphatic massage. Overall I’m SO happy with the results.. I went into this knowing it would take me time to fully heal. I feel better every day! My breasts are dropping slowly so I’ve started massaging daily & wearing a band. What I’m learning every day is just go slow.
Updated on 22 Dec 2020:
Hey everyone! I just wanted to update. Healing is coming long nicely. I’m still swollen in my breasts and low belly. It just going to the time. I’m BVI to my normal routine and feeling normal almost always. I’ve been focused on scar therapy for about 5 weeks now. I use mederma at night and bioderm during the day. The scars on my breasts are a little odd due to the issues with stitches not dissolving. Dr. Ashraf says she will do a revision if necessary. My breasts are uneven right now. The right one decided to the forever to drop. Patience is key after your surgery. Healing takes time. I’ve posted a few pics. Overall I’m very happy with everything!